Stations were first established in Northern Italy in the early 16th century. The intention was to re-create the sites of the events of the Atonement, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The worldwide renewal of Stations as a way to engage with the content and emotion of the last week of Jesus' life began in New Zealand less than 20 years ago. Here artists are charged with reflecting on the biblical text that describes the event they have chosen, and interpreting that story in contemporary art.
This year's Stations was held at the Hamilton Gardens in the week leading up to and during the Easter holiday. For dramatic emphasis it only ran between 8pm-10pm and the way was lit with small candles while visitors carried tiny torches to read each of the scriptures that the artists interpreted. There were many interesting creations such as a huge metronome that swung faster and faster until it stopped and a spotlight from within flashed on three doors labelled 'Death' to depict the inevitable deadline and lack of choices the Saviour had.
My favourite was Station 6: 'Jesus is Mocked and Beaten'. It was based around Matthew 27:27-31. The artist, Geoff Wall, named his piece Mortar and Pestle and featured a large basin with stone lions surrounding it. Inside the basin was a mixture of fresh herbs and a few wooden bats. People were invited to crush the herbs with the bats while reflecting on the following: "On account of His love to ALL peoples He was mocked and beaten. Is this the way we treat those that love us?" As I crushed the herbs, the air became deliciously fragrant with rosemary and thyme, yet it was only by grinding them that I could receive the pleasure of their scent. I thought how it was only through Jesus Christ's immeasurable suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and later crucifixion that the beautiful gift of the Atonement was brought to pass.
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